August & September Wrap-Up || first month in blogging!

Today we are 10 months into the new 10 years! This new decade has taken an unprecedented turn but here we are, fellow bibliophiles, surviving it and reading more in turn! ❤📚

But before we welcome the month of October, here’s my wrap-up for August and September. Yes, this is for 2 months because I did not read much in September due to school exams. 😥

August 😺

Lovely War (Julie Berry)

my rating: ★★★★★ || genre(s): historical fiction, romance, YA

My newest favourite! It is narrated by four greek gods: Aphrodite, Ares, Apollo and Hades, and tells the tale of two love stories during World War 1. The characters are so endearing with themes of loss, guilt and music weaved in masterfully. Furthermore, it deals with serious issues like racism and yet has much comic relief in some parts (especially thanks to the gods).

my review

Chains, Forge & Ashes (Laurie Halse Anderson) [Seeds of America Trilogy]

• 

• 

• 

my rating: ★★★★

genre(s): historical fiction

This series (trilogy) tells of the American Revolution from the point of view of two black slaves: Isabel and Curzon. Isabel just wants a happy life with her sister, Curzon has the urge to defend his ideal country. This juxtaposes sharply as the two become friends and have to work together. This series is such a salient voice against salience and racism. I was deeply moved by this book and the injustices the characters encountered back then, as well as their determination and love.

The Young Elites, The Rose Society, The Midnight Star (Marie Lu) [The Young Elites Trilogy]

• 

• 

• 

my rating: ★★★½ || genre(s): fantasy, YA

This series (trilogy) is about Adelina Amouteru a survivor of the blood fever, who finds powers, thus teaming up with the Dagger Society. It is a fast-paced, twisting and turning read with such vivid world-building. Though the romance is kind of messed up in my opinion, all the action and magical fights make up for it.

The Huntress (Kate Quinn)

My Rating: ★★★★½ || Genre(s): Historical Fiction

The Huntress was epic. Kate Quinn does so well in bringing our group of “detectives”. We have our 2 strong and independent women: Nina and Jordan, and 2 confident men: Ian and Tony. Their goal was to hunt down a WW2 war criminal: The Huntress, who killed 6 children in cold blood and has a strong personal connection to many of the characters. How the characters keep “failing” in their mission with so many plot twists over several POVs was so engaging and I would highly recommend this for one looking for a mystery read with a historical background.

September 😼

The Gown (Jennifer Robson)

My Rating: ★★★ || Genre(s): Historical Fiction

After World War 2, with the population gloomy about all the hardships such as the shortage of food, but comes the distraction and hope of Princess Elizabeth’s royal wedding. In this book, we get a glimpse into what life was like for those who made the sophisticated and elegant dress. Ann Hughes and Miriam Dassin were both embroiders who spent hours on it, forged an unlikely friendship and survived together. It is a powerful tale of true friendship and hope, but I was slightly disappointed by how The Gown lacked the essence of stirring the readers.

Paper Towns (John Green)

My Rating: ★★★1/2 || Genre(s): Contemporary Fiction, YA

Paper Towns features Quentin Jacobsen, an ordinary, orderly guy who had always been in love with Margo Roth Spiegelman from afar until she jumps through his window in the middle of the night and brings in on an intricate 11-step revenge plan. It is a very light-hearted and humorous story but yet brings with it deep meanings using the metaphor of “paper towns”.

my review

Catalyst (Laurie Halse Anderson)

My Rating: ★★1/2 || Genre(s): Contemporary Fiction

Kate Malone is the perfect girl: grades, athletic abilities, daughter of a Reverend, has a boyfriend. That is until her world falls apart one by one like “chemical reactions”, thus with the metaphor of a catalyst, one that speeds up chemical reactions. I thought it was very well written, in terms of expressing Kate’s inner angst, but it still failed to connect much to me.

Blogging:

This was my first month of this book blog and I am so encouraged! Whether it is people liking my posts, taking time to follow me or chatting with me via comments, I feel so happy. ❤

What did you read during these 2 months? Do you have similar opinions on the books?

(blog update: sorry no book review this week as I am going crazy with my exams! but there is going to be a post I am especially excited about next week ❤ thank you all for the support again.)

Advertisement